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Earlier this week I had an incredible front row spot at Ella Henderson's US Album Release Party for her first album Chapter One and now I can't seem to stop sketching her! My British bestie Will Taylor introduced me to Ella's music about a year ago and her first single Ghost quickly became one my top songs of last year and pretty much my anthem of the last 6+ months. (So much so, I made it the soundtrack to my little 2014 year-end insta-video.)

It was surreal going with Will, one of my best friends, to this event and getting to be a part of Ella's US album release. We sang along, danced, sipped champagne and laughed the night away. It was the kind of unforgettable night that doesn't come around too often and when that happens I'm always eager to capture it. I also have to say that Ella looked fantastic and you know I love a jumpsuit! Remember this sketch of Vogue stylist Kelen, whom I toured the US with sketching for Vogue and Clinique?

If you haven't yet I highly recommend checking out Ella Henderson. Ghost and Beautifully Unfinished are my two favorites but the whole Chapter One album is great! I'm so excited she's finally here in the states and looking forward to seeing her career soar.

A few weeks ago I was contacted by actor Eric Winter to commission a custom fashion illustration of his gorgeous wife actress Roselyn Sanchez and their adorable daughter as a surprise Christmas gift. Eric did a little investigating as to his wife's favorite red carpet moments and we reviewed photos of both Roselyn and their daughter to pick looks that they both loved and best reflected the girls personalities, colors and attitudes.

I start custom illustrations with a batch of rough sketches for the client to review and choose a pose from (shown above left.) Originally the illustration was only to featured Roselyn and Sebi in their dresses but after Eric reviewed more of my work he asked if designer shopping bags could be added and possibly a Vogue magazine popping out, since I often illustrate for Vogue and it's a favorite of Ros'. I was happy to make the changes and did so in the next step, the polished line drawing (close-up shown above right.) Eric promptly approved the line drawing and I moved ahead to the final color rendering.

Eric had the illustration framed and surprised his girls Christmas morning. I was thrilled to hear it was a hit, Roselyn even instagramming and tweeting a picture saying she was "in love with her fab gift" and Eric said "you rocked it!" Needless to say working with Eric on this custom illustration was a pleasure! I loved the outcome and was so touched by the overwhelming response from them and their friends.

You can order a gift or commission your own custom illustration through my Etsy shops Brooklit and Brooklit Bride. There you will also see examples of my custom illustrations and can read more about the custom process.

Happy New Year and a big hello to 2015! I hope you all had a fabulous holiday season and are feeling refreshed and energized. Last year traveling quite a bit and being all around busy and chaotic, social media became a welcomed convenience in sharing what I was up to and sketches and projects that were in the works. I'm excited to refocus here, enrich the blog and work hard to make my dreams a reality this year with new collaborations, inspirations, and creative adventures. Cheers to a fresh start and new year!